Delhi's Aggressive Anti-Dust Campaign: Rs 2.36 Crore in Fines and 48 Construction Sites Shut Down

New Delhi:

The Delhi government has implemented stringent measures against dust pollution, imposing Rs 2.36 crore in penalties, issuing more than 200 show-cause notices, and shutting down 48 construction sites over the last month for violations of dust-control regulations.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa emphasized that these enforcement actions, supported by real-time monitoring and consistent field inspections, demonstrate the government's commitment to combating pollution through "measurable, science-led enforcement rather than hollow announcements."

Since October 15, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has intensified its anti-dust campaign, inspecting 1,262 construction sites larger than 500 square meters.

The monitoring program has expanded significantly, with 747 construction projects now registered on the DPCC's Dust Pollution Control Self-Assessment Portal. This system incorporates real-time video surveillance, PM2.5 and PM10 sensors, and public display boards that show compliance status for each project.

Sirsa stated that the government is "determined to deliver measurable on-ground results" through rigorous inspections, enforcement actions, and coordination between various agencies.

Among the inspected sites, more than 200 received show-cause notices, 48 were ordered to cease operations, and 35 faced financial penalties, resulting in environmental compensation exceeding Rs 2.36 crore for dust-control violations.

Beyond registered construction sites, DPCC teams are actively monitoring Delhi neighborhoods to identify unregistered or illegal construction activities. Officials have surveyed 467 of 4,881 mapped localities, identifying 33 violations requiring immediate action.

The minister noted that remote oversight ensures "every project remains under live scrutiny at every hour of the day."

Additionally, the DPCC is conducting thorough inspections of diesel generator sets, enforcing installation of retrofit emission-control devices, and encouraging polluting industries to switch to piped natural gas in accordance with Commission for Air Quality Management directives.

A citywide virtual training session for officials managing registered construction projects was conducted on November 17, with increased coordination among agencies including the MCD, NDMC, PWD, CPWD, DDA, DMRC, and DJB.

According to official statements, Sirsa personally reviewed dust mitigation measures in Palam, Dwarka, and Mahipalpur—areas known for high suspended dust concentration due to construction activities, traffic, and waste accumulation.

He instructed officials to ensure proper barricading, anti-dust netting, treated-water sprinkling, debris removal, and compliance with construction regulations along areas undergoing road repairs and footpath reconstruction.

Currently, more than 1,800 enforcement personnel and 35 dedicated DPCC teams are deployed throughout the city.

Dust suppression and sweeping operations have been intensified at 62 identified traffic hotspots, with Sirsa directing agencies to ensure timely water sprinkling, strict construction compliance, and immediate corrective action based on daily inspection reports.